Tucson

Tucson (pop. 415,100), city in southeast Arizona, inc. 1877. Founded as a Spanish presidio (walled military outpost) in 1776 by Juan Bautista de Anza, Tucson became part of Mexico in 1821, and, in 1853, control passed to the United States as a result of the Gadsden Purchase. A major research and educational center, Tucson is also a popular tourist destination, transportation hub, and home of the University of Arizona, several museums, and the San Xavier del Bac Mission, dating from the earliest days of the town. Situated in a valley with mountains on 3 sides, Tucson enjoys a year-round hot, dry, sunny climate that has made it a popular retirement center.

See also: Arizona.